CVE-2005-0566 in Golden FTP Server
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Golden FTP Server Pro (goldenftpd) 2.x allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long RNTO command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/04/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0566 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within Golden FTP Server Pro version 2.x, specifically affecting the RNTO command functionality. This issue arises from inadequate input validation and boundary checking mechanisms within the FTP server implementation, creating a pathway for remote attackers to exploit the system through carefully crafted network requests. The vulnerability operates at the application layer of the network stack, targeting the file transfer protocol implementation that governs how clients communicate with the FTP server.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker sends a maliciously formatted RNTO command containing an excessively long string of data. The RNTO command in FTP protocol is used to rename files, and in this case, the Golden FTP Server Pro fails to properly validate the length of the input data before processing it. This lack of input sanitization causes the server to write data beyond the allocated buffer space, resulting in memory corruption that can be leveraged to overwrite critical program execution pointers. The buffer overflow condition creates an opportunity for attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the FTP server process, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to organizations relying on Golden FTP Server Pro 2.x for file transfer operations. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries can exploit the vulnerability from anywhere on the network without requiring physical access or prior authentication. The potential impact includes unauthorized data access, data modification, system takeover, and establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system, as attackers can potentially delete files, modify data, or prevent legitimate users from accessing the FTP service. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of how improper input validation can lead to arbitrary code execution.
The exploitation of this vulnerability can be mapped to several ATT&CK tactics and techniques, particularly T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage and T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability as part of a broader compromise strategy, using the initial foothold to establish persistence mechanisms or escalate privileges within the network environment. The vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of proper software security practices in network services, as the issue could have been prevented through input length validation, stack canaries, or other memory protection mechanisms. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including patching the software to the latest version, applying firewall rules to restrict FTP access, and monitoring for suspicious RNTO command usage patterns. Additionally, the vulnerability underscores the critical need for regular security assessments and vulnerability management programs to identify and remediate similar issues before they can be exploited by malicious actors in the wild.